Cubs Minor League Wrap: April 22

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs halted the Round Rock Express (Rangers), 10-3.

It was a strong start today for Eric Jokisch, who got his first win of the season after allowing three runs on seven hits over seven innings. Most impressively, Jokisch struck out eight and didn't walk anyone.

Second baseman Arismendy Alcantara homered in his second straight game this afternoon. It was a solo home run that opened up the scoring in the bottom of the first. He also had an RBI double in the third inning. Alcantara was 2 for 5 and scored twice.

Shortstop Javier Baez was 2 for 5 with a triple and three RBI. He scored one run.

DH Chris Valaika was a perfect 3 for 3 with a double and a walk. He scored one run and had one RBI. Catcher Luis Flores went 2 for 3 with a walk. He scored three runs and had two RBI.

Right fielder Chris Coghlan had a double and four walks in five trips to the plate. He scored one run and had four walks.

Tennessee Smokies

Into every system, a little rain must fall. Tonight, the Tennessee Smokies were vassalized by the Birmingham Barons (White Sox), 14-3.

It was the first appearance of the season for Pierce Johnson, and he did well at first, keeping the Barons off the board for four innings. But he got into trouble in the fifth and was pulled for Ryan Searle, who allowed two inherited runs to score and then six more of his own in an eight-run inning.

Johnson's final line was three runs on four hits over 4+ innings. He walked four and struck out five.

Searle settled down for two innings after that, but he still allowed six runs on six hits, including two home runs, one of which was a grand slam, over three innings. He struck out three and walked one.

Third baseman Kris Bryant went 3 for 5 and scored once. Right fielder John Andreoli went 2 for 3 with two walks.

Catcher Taylor Davis was 2 for 4 with two RBI.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs trashed the Clearwater Threshers (Phillies) 18-5. The win was Daytona's third in a row.

It was an easy second win of the season for Tayler Scott, who allowed three runs, but only one earned, over 5.1 innings. Scott was touched for four hits. He walked three and struck out one.

First baseman Rock Shoulders hit a grand slam in the top of the ninth to put a cherry on top of this sundae. It was Shoulders' second home run of the year. He also hit two doubles in a 3 for 5 night. He also walked once. Shoulders scored four and had the four RBI.

Right fielder Pin-Chieh Chen had four hits, including a double and two triples, in five at bats. He also walked once. Chen scored four runs and had three RBI.

Second baseman Gioskar Amaya went 3 for 4 with a walk and four runs scored. He had one RBI.

DH Tim Saunders was 2 for 2 with two doubles and a walk. He had 3 RBI and scored once. Shortstop Marco Hernandez was 2 for 5 with a triple and three RBI. He scored one run. Left fielder Bijan Rademacher went 2 for 5 with two doubles and a walk. He scored one run and had one RBI.

In their first 17 games this season, Daytona had scored 27 runs total. Tonight they put up 18 as they won their third straight game.

Kane County Cougars

The Kane County Cougars took a bite out of the Beloit Snappers (Athletics), 5-4.

Paul Blackburn improved his record to 2-0 after allowing only one run over 5.1 innings. He gave up five hits, including a home run to start the sixth inning. Blackburn walked two and did not record a strikeout.

Zach Godley had to come on with two out and two on in the ninth after Jose Arias allowed two runs to allow the Snappers to get within a run. Luckily, Godley struck out the only batter he faced to get his third save.

DH Ben Carhart was 2 for 4 with an RBI. Shortstop Carlos Penalver had a double and a walk in a 1 for 3 game. He scored one run and had one RBI.